Stein has found his way in New York

Former Freedom standout aspiring to a career in film

Andy Stein strolled through the New York streets on a warm summer night last year.

He was on his way to the TriBeCa Grand Hotel, a place he'd never been to but one that was in a neighborhood that felt like home.

His parents, Ken and Estelle, are from Canarsie in Brooklyn. Estelle went to Columbia University and Ken worked in New York City before they decided to move to Bethlehem in 1985 to raise a family.

Andy is working in reverse. The Freedom High School graduate wants to live and work in New York City after graduating from New York University this spring.

The senior was in Manhattan last summer because he was part of a crew that made a short film (Shlomo Pussycat), which was being screened at the TriBeCa Film Festival.

The 22-year-old has aspirations of a career in movies, combining his skills as a musician with what he's learned about various aspects of filmmaking while at NYU.

The senior was the sound mixer on this film about a soul-searching rabbi. He edited the film's sound and wrote music for it.

"It was really exciting being part of a completely different kind of team," Stein said. "It was a really creative, collaborative process."

Stein, a music technology major, also was drawn to the campus because he was a good basketball player.

Nothing has changed the last four years, though he admittedly needed some time to find his inner motivation — in class and on the court.

The 6-foot-8, 245-pound center has seen his development pay off. He recently scored his 1,000th career point for the 12-1 Violets, who are ranked 23rd nationally according to D3hoops.com.

"When you have a senior who is one of your best players, who works super hard every day, that makes it much easier for young players to follow suit," NYU coach Joe Nesci said.

"If you look at the stats, in a lot of games he'll score 14, 16 points, but take only six shots. It doesn't matter to him. He wants what's best for the team."

Stein has taken a similar approach to his career path. He has used his time at NYU to further his musical talents, including learning a fourth instrument (violin).

The Bethlehem native also has made friends who have a strong film concentration. He is hoping those relationships, which helped get him on the three-day shoot last year for the TriBeCa film, continue to pay off.

"They are all active trying to get in on movies," Stein said. "There are different ways to get on a set. Now, for a bunch of them, I'm the sound go-to guy."

When Stein arrived on campus four years ago, he wasn't listening to anyone. He wasn't committed to what was being asked of him in class or on the court.

His grade-point average was indicative of the lack of focus. His 7.9 minutes per game in 21 contests further proved his need for hard work.

"I slacked off a lot. I wasn't ready for it," he recalled. "I wasn't ready for how organized you really need to be.

"It's good if you can learn that on your own. Getting that wakeup call was the best way."

Like many talented music and film students, Stein developed a watchful eye and a strong sense of sound.

In 2008-09, Stein saw senior John Mish bust his hump every day in practice and during games. Mish talked to Stein about the details of post play, then promptly pounded away on the freshman during scrimmages.

"He was an inspiration," Stein said. "He had a really blue-collar mentality. It carried me through the rest of these years, how hard he worked, how everyone can feed off such an effective player."

Stein's basketball career blossomed with each passing year. So, too, did his prospects in the entertainment industry.

Like he has shown a willingness to do whatever the Violets need on the court, Stein doesn't have any problem contributing in the entertainment industry in any way — except fetching coffee.

"Film sound is not [the filmmakers'] biggest priority," he said. "They are thinking about how to get their story across. I try to come in with an attitude that I can really help a film with my music background.

"I don't have any classes in film school. I'm learning on the fly. I used to do music for myself, but I've built my skills as a composer and songwriter so now I'm getting into film scoring.

"I hope to be more of a total package."

When Stein walks the streets around NYU's campus, he talks with the locals about basketball and life in the city. It all fascinates him.

He hopes the city, its characters and his talents will allow him to make a living doing what he loves.

Stein has proven he's willing to work as hard as necessary to make those dreams come true.